Adjustable bone stabilizing frame system

ABSTRACT

By providing components securable to anchor pins or screws of different diameters as well as providing clamps which hold associated pins in any position during adjustments, an external fixation or adjustable frame structure is provided which is capable of being quickly and easily assembled in any desired configuration. In the present invention, the frame structure is retained in any assembled configuration in order to allow final adjustments to be made, prior to the final securement of the frame assembly in the precisely desired configuration by closure of each clamp member. In this way, an entire frame assembly is capable of being constructed, adjusted, and readjusted in order to assure each component is oriented in the precisely desired position prior to final closure of the clamping members. In one preferred embodiment, the clamping members employed in the frame structure of the present invention incorporate friction pins internally mounted in each clamp which engages the rod member once this rod is inserted into the jaws of the clamp. In this way, any rod member inserted into the clamping jaws contacts the surface of the jaws and the friction pin, preventing the rod member from sliding or moving relative to the clamp. In addition, by incorporating a uniquely constructed, moving wedge plate that is adjustably engageable with any cooperating anchor pin, secure affixation of the mounting member with the anchor pins of any diameter is easily achieved, regardless of the orientation configuration, or diameter of the anchor pin.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to external fixation or adjustable bonestabilizing frame systems and, more particularly, to frame assembliesemployed with broken and/or fractured bones for retaining and holdingthe bone and in a desired configuration for resetting.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The use of external fixation or stabilizing frames for retainingbroken or fractured bones in a particularly desired orientation orconfiguration is widely known and commonly employed. However, in mosttypical prior art external frame constructions, particularly frameconstructions employed to stabilize broken or fractured bones, a varietyof clamps and holding rods are employed to enable the surgeon toposition the broken/fractured bones in a precisely desired position ororientation, and then allowing the bone to be retained in that positionor orientation for healing.

[0003] Although wide variety of frame structures and clamp systems havebeen used for this purpose, one common problem existing with most priorart stabilizing frame constructions is the inability to allow the frameconstruction to be easily adjustable during its assembly. In thisregard, in most applications, anchor pins or anchor screws are mountedin a fractured bone, extending outwardly therefrom for attachment to aframe assembly. Clamp members are mounted to the anchor pins or anchorscrews with a plurality of rod members being mounted to a plurality ofinterconnecting clamps to establish the desired stabilizing frameassembly. However, during the creation of the frame structure, whichmust be maintained in a precise orientation in order to assure that thebone fracture is precisely aligned for healing, these prior art framesystems have been found to be incapable of being retained in a desiredposition unless securely clamped. As a result, repeated tightening andloosening of the clamps is required before the precisely desired framestructure is fully assembled.

[0004] In those instances where the frame assembly being created has aninsufficient clamping force applied to the rod members for securing therod members in the clamp, slippage of the rod in the clamp often occurs.This causes the frame structure to become improperly aligned, resultingin repeated efforts to recreate and readjust the frame.

[0005] In addition, since improper alignment may cause the bone elementsto be dislodged from the desired position or may impose improper forcesupon the bone elements, the slippage caused by loose rods cannot betolerated. As a result, the arduous task of clamping and unclampingevery interconnection must be imposed upon the physician, in order toassure a frame structure is created having the precisely desiredconfiguration and orientation and is maintained in that positionthroughout its assembly.

[0006] In an attempt to satisfy this need, some clamp membersincorporate coil springs to prevent slippage. However, these systems donot provide the desired result and are expensive to produce.

[0007] Therefore, it is a principal object of the present invention toprovide an adjustable frame structure for stabilizing broken orfractured bones which is capable of being the easily constructed byattaching two anchoring pins or screws, with all compounds thereof beingretained in any desired position, without the application of finalclamping forces.

[0008] Another object to the present invention is to provide anadjustable frame structure having the characteristic features describedabove which allows ease of assembly while still assuring secure, clampedinterengagement of all components when required.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide anadjustable frame structure having the characteristic features describedabove which automatically incorporates friction engagement betweensliding components for maintaining such component in any positionwithout requiring a clamping force.

[0010] Other and more specific objects will impart the obvious and willimpart appear hereinafter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] By employing the present invention, all of the difficulties anddrawbacks found in the prior art are eliminated and a fully externalfixation or adjustable frame structure is provided which is capable ofbeing quickly and easily assembled in any desired configuration. Inaddition, the frame structure of the present invention is retained inany assembled configuration in order to allow final adjustments to bemade, prior to the final securement of the frame assembly in theprecisely desired configuration by closure of each clamp member. In thisway, an entire frame assembly is capable of being constructed, adjusted,and readjusted in order to assure each component is oriented in theprecisely desired position prior to final closure of the clamp beingmembers.

[0012] In order to attain this previously unrealized goal, the clampingmembers employed in the frame structure of the present inventionincorporate friction pins internally mounted in each clamp which engagesthe rod member once this rod is inserted into the jaws of the clamp. Inthis way, any rod member inserted into the clamping jaws contacts thesurface of the jaws and the friction pin. This contact prevents the rodmember from sliding or moving relative to the clamp. As a result of thisfriction engagement, the rod member is retained in any position relativeto the clamping jaws, once the rod member has been inserted into thejaws of the clamp.

[0013] By employing the present invention, a frame assembly is quicklyin easily constructed in the overall desired configuration with everyrod member and clamp being retained in the position originally placed.Once the basic frame structure has been created, final adjustments canbe easily made by moving the rod members relative to the clamping jaws,with complete assurance that unwanted slippage will not occur. Once thefinal configuration has been obtained, each clamp is closed to securelyengage the jaws of the clamp with the rod member, thereby assuring thecreating of an external fixation assembly or frame structure having aprecisely desired configuration for imparting the desired beneficialresults.

[0014] In addition, the external fixation system or frame assembly ofthe present invention incorporates components capable of being securedto anchor pins or screws having a wide variety of diameters. Byincorporating a uniquely constructed, moving wedge plate that isadjustably engageable with any cooperating anchor pin, secure affixationof the mounting member with the anchor pins is easily achieved,regardless of the orientation configuration, or diameter of the anchorpin.

[0015] The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction,combination of elements and arrangement of parts which will beexemplified in the constructions hereinafter set forth, and the scope ofthe invention will be indicated in the claims.

THE DRAWINGS

[0016] For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of thepresent invention, reference should be had to the following detaileddescription taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

[0017]FIG. 1 is a side elevation view depicting one embodiment of afully assembled external fixation bone stabilizing frame system of thepresent invention securely mounted for stabilizing a broken tibia;

[0018]FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of one embodimentof a pin clamping/mounting member forming one component of the framesystem of the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of an alternateembodiment of a pin clamping/mounting member employed in the framesystem of the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 4 is a partially exploded perspective view of a furtheralternate embodiment of a pin clamping/mounting member of the presentinvention;

[0021]FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the pin clamping/mounting member ofFIG. 4; FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side elevation view taken along line6-6 of FIG. 5;

[0022]FIG. 7 is a rear view of the pin clamping/mounting member of FIG.4;

[0023]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional plan view of the pin clamping/mountingmember taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7;

[0024]FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of aclamp assembly employed in the frame system of the present invention;

[0025]FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of the clamp assembly of FIG. 9shown fully assembled;

[0026]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the clampassembly of FIG. 10;

[0027]FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of aclamp assembly of the present invention;

[0028]FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of the clamp assembly of FIG. 12shown fully assembled;

[0029]FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a further alternateembodiment of a clamp assembly of the present invention;

[0030]FIG. 15 is a perspective view depicting an alternate embodiment ofa fully assembled external fixation bone stabilizing frame system of thepresent invention securely mounted for stabilizing a broken finger bone;

[0031]FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a pinclamping/mounting member employed in the frame system of FIG. 15;

[0032]FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of an alternate embodimentof a pin clamping/mounting member of the present invention;

[0033]FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of a further alternateembodiment of the pin clamping/mounting member of the present invention;

[0034]FIG. 19 is a top plan view of the pin clamping/mounting member ofFIG. 16;

[0035]FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the pinclamping/mounting member of the present invention taken along line 20-20of FIG. 19;

[0036]FIG. 21 is a rear view of the pin clamping/mounting member of thepresent invention;

[0037]FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional plan view of the pinclamping/mounting member of the present invention taken along line 22-22of FIG. 21;

[0038]FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of a still furtheralternate embodiment of a clamp assembly of the present inventionemployed in the frame system of this invention; and

[0039]FIG. 24 is a side elevation view of the clamp assembly of FIG. 23depicted fully assembled.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE

[0040] By referring to FIGS. 1-24 along with the following detaileddiscussion, the construction and operation of the external fixation oradjustable frame system of the present invention can best be understood.Although the following disclosure fully details different embodiments ofthe present invention, these embodiments are provided as preferredexamples of the present invention. Consequently, it is to be understoodthat these embodiments are provided for exemplary purposes only, and arenot intended as a limitation of the present invention.

[0041] In FIG. 1, one embodiment of the external fixation or adjustableframe system 20 of the present invention is depicted, securely mountedto broken leg bone 21 or a tibia for maintaining the components of thebroken bone in the precisely desired position for healing. As depicted,leg bone 21 has a transverse break, forming upper part 22 and lower part23.

[0042] In order to set and maintain bone 21 in the desired configurationfor healing, anchor pins 24 and 25 are mounted in upper part 22, whileanchor pins 26 and 27 are mounted in lower part 23. In each instance,the anchor pin is securely affixed to the bone element and extendsoutwardly therefrom. Using these externally extending anchor pins, framesystem 20 is created to form an external fixation frame system whichsecures and holds parts 22 and 23 of bone 21 in interconnectedengagement with each other in order to promote complete healing thereof.

[0043] One principal component employed in the external fixation framesystem of the present invention is pin clamping and mounting member 30.As is more fully detailed below, pin clamping/mounting member 30 mayincorporate one or two connecting rods 31, with one or two connectingrods 31 being mounted at opposite ends or substantially mid-way alongthe length of mounting member 30. In the embodiments depicted in FIG. 1,mounting member 30 secured to upper part 22 of bone 21 comprises tworods 31 extending from opposite ends thereof, while mounting member 30affixed to lower part 23 comprises two rods mounted midway along thelength of member 30.

[0044] Regardless of the position or number of connecting rods 31mounted to pin clamping/mounting member 30, the overall construction ofclamping/mounting member 30 is substantially identical. In order to bestunderstand this construction, reference should be made to FIGS. 2, 3 and4, wherein these alternate embodiments are depicted, as fully detailedbelow. In addition, reference should also be made to FIGS. 5-8, whereindetails of construction are shown.

[0045] In the preferred construction, pin clamping/mounting member 30incorporates a generally rectangular shaped housing with four separateand independent pin receiving cavities 32, 33, 34, and 35 formedtherein, extending from the top surface of the housing to the bottomsurface. In addition, as is more fully detailed below, each pinreceiving cavity 32, 33, 34, and 35 preferably comprises a generallyrectangular or square cross-sectional shape.

[0046] Furthermore, a screw receiving cavity 36 is formed adjacentpin-receiving cavities 32 and 33, while screw receiving cavity 37 isformed adjacent pin receiving cavities 34 and 35. In addition, screwreceiving cavities 36 and 37, and pin receiving cavities 32, 33, 34, and35 all extend from the top to the bottom of the housing, with all axesthereof being substantially parallel to each other.

[0047] In addition, two elongated slots 38 and 39 are formed in onesidewall of the housing forming pin clamping/mounting member 30.Preferably, each slot 38 and 39 extends into the interior of thehousing, through the axes formed by one of the screw receiving cavitiesand terminating at the axis of the adjacent pin receiving cavities. Inthis way, slot 38 extends from one side of member 30 through screwreceiving cavity 36 and pin receiving cavities 32 and 33 while slot 39extends from the side wall of member 30 through screw receiving cavity37 and pin receiving cavities 34 and 35. However, slots 38 and 39 do notextend completely through member 30 to its opposed side wall.

[0048] In completing the principal construction of pin clamping/mountingmember 30, clamping plates 40 and 41 are employed and constructed forsliding engagement in slots 38 and 39 with locking wedges 42 and 43controllably engaged with clamping plates 40 and 41. As depicted,clamping plate 40 is inserted in slot 38 for translational movementtherein, with locking wedge 42 centrally engaged with plate 40 formoving plate 40 in slot 38. Similarly, clamping plate 41 is inserted inslot 39 for translational movement therein with locking wedge 43cooperatively associated therewith for controlling the movement of late41 in slot 39.

[0049] Locking wedge 42 is mounted in the base of screw receiving cavity36 and constructed for being threadedly engaged with movement controlscrew 44. Similarly, locking wedge 43 is mounted in the base of screwreceiving cavity 37 and constructed for threaded engagement withmovement control screw 45. By employing this construction, rotation ofscrews 44 and 45 in a first direction draws locking wedges 42 and 43into pin clamping/mounting member 30, while rotation of screws 44 and 45in the opposite direction causes locking wedges 42 and 43 to be forcedoutwardly from member 30.

[0050] In order to provide secure affixation of pin clamping/mountingmember 30 with the anchor pins inserted into the bone being stabilized,clamping plates 40 and 41 are preferably constructed within asubstantially C-shape, with center portions 50 and legs 51 and 52extending therefrom. Preferably, the outside wall of center portion 50incorporates a plurality of longitudinal ribs 53 formed therein andextending substantially parallel to each other.

[0051] In addition, a cam slot 54 is formed in the inside wall of legs51 and 52, with cam slots 54 of each leg being in juxtaposed, spaced,cooperating relationship with each other Furthermore, cam slots 54 areslanted and positioned for cooperating engagement with camming flanges55, as detailed below.

[0052] In order to control the movement of plates 40 and 41, lockingwedges 42 and 43 each comprise camming flanges 55 formed on the outsidewalls thereof, positioned for cooperative, aligned, controllingengagement with cam slots 54 of each clamping plate 40 and 41. Byemploying this construction, rotation of screws 44 and 45 in a firstdirection, which causes wedges 42 and 43 to move into member 30, alsocauses camming flanges 55 to advance upwardly in cam slots 54, forcingclamping plates 40 and 41 to advance in slots 38 and 39 towards pinreceiving cavities 32, 33, 34, and 35. By controlling the slope angleemployed in forming cam slots 54 and camming flanges 55, the rate ofmovement of clamping plates 40 and 41 in slots 38 and 39 is preciselycontrolled.

[0053] Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment, spring means 56, in theform of a coil spring, is inserted in slots 38 and 39 in biasingengagement with center portion 50 of clamping plates 40 and 41.Preferably, as shown in FIG. 6, spring means 56 is retained in cavity 57formed in pin clamping/mounting member 30. In this way, clamping plates40 and 41 are continuously urged out of pin clamping/mounting member 30preventing binding of clamping plates 40 and 41 with anchor pin 24 whenremoval is desired. In addition, spring means 56 continuously biasesclamping plates 40 and 41 away from pin receiving cavities 32, 33, 34and 35, thereby facilitating the easy entry of the desired anchor pinsinto pin receiving cavities 32, 33, 34, and 35.

[0054] By employing the construction detailed above, clamping/mountingmember 30 is quickly and easily secured to any desired anchor pins.Using the assembly depicted in FIG. 1, one pin clamping mounting member30 is mounted to upper part 22 of bone 21 by telescopically advancingpin 24 through cavity 32 or 33, while also advancing pin 25 throughcavity 34 or 35. Then, secure affixation of pin clamping/mounting member30 to anchor pins 24 and 25 is easily achieved by rotationally advancingscrews 44 and 45 into member 30, causing locking wedges 42 and 43 to bedrawn into member 30.

[0055] As detailed above, the upward movement of wedges 42 and 43 causesclamping plates 40 and 41 to be advanced in slots 38 and 39 towardsanchor pins 24 and 25. This movement brings the front wall of centerportion 50 of plates 40 into contact with pin 24, while the front wallof center portion 50 of plate 41 contacts pin 25. The rotation of screws44 and 45 continue until pins 24 and 25 are lockingly engaged withplates 40 and 41. By employing ribs 53 on the surface of the front wallof center portion 50, slippage is prevented and secure locked engagementof member 30 with anchor pins 24 and 25 is assured.

[0056] Using a virtually identical procedure, pin clamping/mountingmember 30 is secured to pins 26 and 27 which are mounted to lower part23 of bone 21. Once plates 40 and 41 have been advanced into secure,abutting, frictional engagement with anchor pins 26 and 27, as detailedabove, member 30 is securely affixed to anchor pins 26 and 27, as wellas lower part 23.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, each of the alternateconfigurations of pin clamping/mounting member 30 preferablyincorporates pin receiving cavities which comprise a substantiallyrectangular or square-shaped cross-section. Although any desired shapemay be employed, this square or rectangular shape is preferred in orderto enable a wide variety of anchor pins to be easily receiving therein.In this way, anchor pins having varying diameters or shapes are able tobe inserted into the pin receiving cavities and secured therein byabutting, sandwiching engagement between the wall of the cavity and theleading edge or surface of the center portion 50 of clamping plates 40and 41.

[0058] In addition, as depicted in these Figures, each pinclamping/mounting member 30 comprises four separate pin receivingcavities 24, 25, 26, and 27. Although any desired number of cavities maybe employed, four cavities are preferred for providing substantialuniversality.

[0059] In most procedures involving larger bones, two or four anchorpins are mounted in the bone part for use in stabilization. As a result,regardless of which number of pins are used, pin mounting/clampingmember 30 of this invention may be employed. By employing theconstruction detailed above, each clamping plate 40 and 41 is broughtinto abutting, locking engagement with the anchor pins, regardless ofwhether one or two pins are present. As a result, universal, secure,affixation of pin clamping/mounting member 30 to the desired bone partis attained.

[0060] As discussed above in reference to FIG. 1, pin clamping/mountingmember 30 affixed to upper part 22 of bone 21 incorporates twoconnecting rods 31 extending from opposite terminating ends thereof.Each of these connecting rods 31 are employed for securely affixingmember 30 and upper part 22 of bone 21 to the remainder of the externalfixation frame assembly 20 of this invention.

[0061] As depicted in FIG. 1, broken parts 22 and 23 of leg bone 21 aresecured and maintained in the desired position for healing by securelyinterconnecting the two pin clamping/mounting members 30 to each otherby clamps 60 and stabilizing rods 61. As detailed below, once this frameassembly is completed, upper part 21 and lower part 22 are securelymounted to each other in abutting, contacting, slip-free engagement inorder to enable complete healing to be achieved.

[0062] In order to form frame assembly 20, a clamp assembly 60 isaffixed to each connecting rod 31 of each pin clamping/mounting member30, while also securely affixing a portion of a stabilizing rod 61 ineach clamp assembly 60. In achieving this result, in accordance with thepresent invention, clamp assembly 60 is preferably constructed in themanner depicted in FIGS. 9, 10, and 11.

[0063] As shown therein, clamp assembly 60 preferably comprises twoseparate and independent clamp members 64, each of which comprise agenerally C-shape clamping zone 65, with movement control plates 66 and67 extending from each terminating end of C-shaped clamping zone 65. Inorder to assure that clamp assembly 60 is able to be employed forinterconnecting two stabilizing rods 61 or connecting rods 31 in anydesired angular position relative to each other, each clamp member 64 isarcuately pivotally movable relative to the other into any desiredangular relationship. This construction and operation is furtherdetailed below.

[0064] In the preferred construction, clamp member 64 incorporates aco-axially aligned screw receiving cavity 68 extending through eachplate. In addition, each movement control plate 67 of each clamp member64 comprises a circular shaped tooth array formed in the outer surfacethereof, with the pattern of the tooth array being constructed formating interengagement with each other. As depicted, each clamp assembly60 comprises two clamp members 64, with the tooth array of each movementcontrol plate 67 of each clamp member 64 being mounted in cooperatinginterengagement with each other.

[0065] In order to maintain clamp members 64 in the desired assembledposition, as well as control the secure clamping engagement of clampingzone 65 with the rod member mounted therein, clamp assembly 60incorporates a clamping control screw 70 which extends through each ofthe receiving cavities 68 formed in each control plate 66 and 67 of eachclamp member 64.

[0066] In the preferred embodiment, screw receiving cavity 68 of eachmovement control plate 66 comprises screw threads formed therein forthreaded engagement with threaded zone 71 of screw 70. In addition, inthe preferred construction, clamping control screw 70 comprises threadedzone 71 formed at its distal end, with head portion 72 formed at itsproximal end. Radially extending flange 73 is also formed on screw 70,directly adjacent head portion 72. Finally, shank portion 72 extendsfrom flange 73 to threaded zone 71 and preferably comprises a generallysmooth outer surface having a diameter for passing through cavity 68 ofcontrol plates 66 and67.

[0067] In the preferred assembled construction, a washer 75 is mountedabout screw 70 between flange 73 and the outer surface of control plate66 for assuring that complete controlled movement of control plates 66and 67 is attained. Finally, an enlarged handle 76 is mounted about headportion 72 in contact with flange 73 for providing controlled rotationalmovement of screw 70 to achieve small or incremental clampingadjustments.

[0068] When fully assembled, clamp member 64 are mounted to each otherin a substantially vertically stacked position with the circular tootharray of each movement control plate 67 interengaged with the other. Inaddition, this position is maintained by telescopically insertingclamping control screw 70 through the screw receiving cavity 68 of eachof the control plates 66 and 67 of each clamp member 64 until flange 73and head 72 of screw 70 is engaged with the outside surface of controlplate 66 of the upper clamp member 64, while threaded zone 71 of screw70 is threadedly engaged with the screw threads formed in receivingcavity 68 of control plate 66 of the lower clamp member 64.

[0069] Once fully assembled, the arcuate rotation of clamping controlscrew 70 in a first direction causes screw 70 to be telescopicallyadvanced through cavities 68. However, once flange 73 contacts washer 75and/or the outer surface of control plate 66 of upper clamp member 64,any further rotation of screw 70 causes movement control plates 66 and67 of each clamp member 64 to be advanced towards each other bycompressing against the spring force provided by C-shaped clamping zone65. Furthermore, this movement causes the clamping diameter of C-shapedzone 65 to be reduced, effectively securing a rod member insertedtherein.

[0070] As is evident from the foregoing detailed discussion, onlycontrol plate 66 of the lower clamping member 64 is threadedly engagedwith screw 70, since the remainder of shank portion 74 is smooth. As aresult, the rotational movement of screw 70 effectively controls thetightening of clamp members 64 as well as the loosening of clamp member64, when desired, by rotating screw 70 in the opposite direction.

[0071] By employing this construction, clamp members 64 of clampassembly 60 are able to be arcuately pivoted relative to each otherabout the axis defined by control screw 70. As a result, any desiredconnecting rods 31 and/or stabilizing rods 61 are securely affixed toeach other in any required angular relationship. In this way, frameassembly 20 is quickly and easily created in the precisely desiredconfiguration and orientation.

[0072] In order to enhance the arcuate movement and precision placementof clamping 64 relative to each other, clamp assembly 60 of the presentinvention incorporates bushing 80 which is mounted in and extendsbetween screw receiving cavities 68 of each control plate 67 of bothupper and lower clamp members 64. By incorporating bushing 80 andconstructing bushing 80 to extend between both clamp members 64, theprecise vertical alignment of the clamp members is maintained,regardless of the clamp forces being imposed thereon.

[0073] In most prior art clamp assemblies, tilting or pivoting of oneclamp member relative to the other often occurs when the clamping forcesare imposed. As a result, precise arcuate positioning of the clampingmembers relative to each other is not attainable. However, byincorporating bushing 80, this prior art inability is overcome and anydesired precision arcuate alignment and positioning is achieved.

[0074] An additional benefit provided by this construction of thepresent invention is the ability to incorporate a circular tooth arrayon the face of each control plate 67 which provides extremely fine teethand grooves, unattainable with prior art systems. In this way,cooperating clamp members 64 are able to be fine tuned into precisearcuate relative positions, thereby assuring the creation of frameassembly 20 which is optimized in every respect.

[0075] Another important feature provided by clamp assembly 60 of thepresent invention is the incorporation of friction means in clampingzone 69 of each clamp jaw 65 of each clamp member 64. By providing thisunique feature, any connecting rod 31 or stabilizing rod 61 positionedin clamping zone 69 is retained in the set position, until moved by thesurgeon. As a result, assembly and adjustments of the external fixationframe assembly 20 are able to be made easily and conveniently, withoutany slippage or movement of the rods in the clamps.

[0076] Although alternate constructions may be employed withoutdeparting from the scope of this invention, the preferred constructionsfor providing friction means in clamp assembly 60 is depicted in FIGS.9, 10, and 11. In this preferred embodiment, each clamping member 64incorporates co-axially aligned pin receiving cavity 81 extendingthrough control plates 67 and 66. Preferably pin receiving cavity 81 ispositioned in close proximity to C-shaped clamping jaws 65, with theaxis thereof being parallel to the axis of screw receiving cavity 68.

[0077] This preferred embodiment is completed by providing an elongatedfriction pin 82 and telescopically inserting and securing friction pin82 in elongated cavity 81. By properly mounting and positioning frictionpin 82 in the manner detailed above, friction pin 82 extends betweencontrol plates 66 and 67, with intermediate portion 83 of the shaft ofpin 82 extending into clamping zone 69. By employing this construction,any connecting rod 31 and/or stabilizing rod 61, which comprises adiameter for being secured in C-shaped clamping jaws 65, will contactintermediate portion 83 of friction pin 81 whenever mounted in C-shapedclamping jaw 65.

[0078] As a result, when connecting rod 31 and/or stabilizing rod 61 isinserted into C-shaped clamping jaw 65, intermediate portion 83 offriction pin 82 is flexed away from clamping zone 69, while beingmaintained in frictional engagement with the rod due to the inherentspring force pf in 82 attempting to return to its normal straightconfiguration. In this way, a constant frictional engagement force ismaintained on any connecting/stabilizing rod inserted into C-shapedclamping jaw 65, forcing the rod into contact with the surface of jaw65.

[0079] This biasing force must be overcome when telescopically insertingand advancing any connection rod 31 and/or stabilizing rod 61 inC-shaped clamping jaw 65. However, whenever a desired relative positionis attained, no clamping adjustment needs to be made. Instead, thebiasing force and frictional engagement of pin 82 with the rod memberand the walls of jaw 65 is sufficient to maintain the rod member in theset position.

[0080] By employing this construction, any desired construction forframe assembly 20 is quickly and easily achieved and fully completed inan initial orientation, with complete assurance that slippage or slidingof the components will not occur, even though secure tightening of eachclamp member 64 has not been attained. In this way, the presentinvention allows the surgeon to fine tune or adjust frame assembly 20 inorder to achieve a precision construction. However, throughout theentire adjustment process, secure clamping is avoided since friction pin82 of each clamp member 64 provides the desired securement of any rodmember in any position during the adjustment process.

[0081] Once all of the components of frame assembly 20 have been placedin their precisely desired position and orientation, each rod member issecurely clamped in jaw 65 of each clamping member 64. Since secureclamping forces are only required when the final configuration of frameassembly 20 has been completed, the construction and adjustment of frameassembly 20 is achieved with substantially enhanced ease, simplicity,and convenience.

[0082] As best seen in FIGS. 9 and 11, friction pin 82 comprises anenlarged head 84 which has a diameter greater than intermediate portion83. In addition, pin receiving cavity 81 is constructed to receiving andretain enlarged head 83 of pin 82.

[0083] In the preferred embodiment, the head receiving portion of cavity81 is formed in control plate 67 of each clamp member 64. As shown,convenient location for cavity 81 with the head receiving portionthereof is along the tooth and groove array of plate 67. This locationand position is preferred since the tooth/groove array of each controlplate 67 is maintained in abutting, contacting interengagement with thetooth/groove array of the adjacent control plate 67 of the adjacentclamp member 64.

[0084] As a result, positive securement of friction pin 82 in cavity 81is provided and any possibility of dislodgement or movement of pin 82 isprevented. In this way, assurance is provided that friction pin 82 isalways present in clamping zone 69 in order to provide the desiredslip-free, fully retained assembly benefits of the present invention.

[0085] In FIGS. 12 and 13, an alternate embodiment of clamp assembly 60is depicted. In this embodiment, two separate and independent clampmembers 90 are mounted in a vertically stacked array, as detailed above.However, in this embodiment, each clamp member 90 comprises separate andindependent clamping jaws 91 and 92. In certain applications, telescopicentry into the clamping jaw is not possible, as is required in C-shapedclamping jaw 65. Consequently, two separate and independent clampingjaws 91 and 92, as depicted in FIGS. 12 and 13, are employed whichenable any desired connecting rod 31 and/or stabilizing rod 61 to beinserted into jaws 91 and 92 with ease and simplicity.

[0086] In this embodiment, each clamp member 90 comprises a movementcontrol plate 93 which is interconnected with jaw 91 and a movementcontrol plate 94 which is interconnected with jaw 92. Movement controlplates 93 and 94 are positioned in juxtaposed, spaced, verticallyaligned, cooperating relationship with each other, enabling clampingjaws 91 and 92 to operate in the desired manner.

[0087] In order to provide clamping jaws 91 and 92 with the desired,integrated spring biasing force, clamp member 90 also comprises aninterconnecting wall member 95 which extends between movement controlplates 93 and 94 on the side thereof opposite clamping jaws 91 and 92.In this way, an integrated spring force is provided to clamping jaws 91and 92 which tends to open jaws 91 and 92, unless counter-acted by aclosing or clamping force.

[0088] The remainder of the construction of clamp member 90 issubstantially equivalent to the construction of clamp assembly 60 asdetailed above. In this regard, screw or boss receiving cavities 68 areformed in movement control plates 93 and 94, with threaded zones beingformed in cavities 68 of control plate 93, and a smooth boss receivingzone being formed in cavity 68 of control plate 94. In addition, asdetailed above, the top surface of control plate 94 of each clamp member90 comprises a circular array of teeth and grooves, for enabling thedesired mating, interengagement and arcuate rotational movement of eachclamp member 90 relative to the other clamp member 90.

[0089] In addition, bushing 80 is employed for mounted interengagementbetween mating control plates 94 by inserting bushing 80 in cavities 68of each control plate 94. In this way, as detailed above, tilting orskewing of clamp members 90 relative to each other during the clampingprocess is prevented.

[0090] In addition, clamping control screw 70 is telescopically insertedthrough screw receiving cavities 68 of each movement control plate 93and 94 with threaded zone 71 of control screw 70 being engaged incavities 68 of the lower-most control plate 93. In addition, withclamping control screw 70 incorporating head 72, flange 73, shankportion 74 and washer 75, all as described above, any arcuate rotationof control screw 70 in a first direction causes jaws 91 and 92 of eachclamping member to advance toward each other, securely engaging andlockingly retaining any rod member inserted therebetween. In addition,as detailed above, handle 76 may be mounted, if desired, to head 72 ofscrew 70 in order to enable precise, controlled, rotational movement ofscrew 70.

[0091] Although constructions of this general nature have been employedin the prior art, all of these prior art constructions suffer from thecommon deficiency that any interconnecting wall member 95 is capable ofbeing crushed by excessive clamping forces imposed thereon. In suchinstances, the resulting clamp is incapable of being used.

[0092] In the present invention, a unique construction has beendeveloped which prevents any unwanted crushing or crimping ofinterconnecting wall member 95. In accordance with the presentinvention, the interior surface of interconnecting wall member 95 isarcuately rounded, forming pin receiving zone 96. The construction ofeach clamp member 90 is completed by positioning pivot pin 97 in pinreceiving zone 96 of wall member 95, and securely maintaining pivot pin97 in the precisely desired position by mounting securing rod 98 throughapertures formed in wall 95 and pin 97. In this way, pivot pin 97 issecurely retained in contacting engagement with wall member 95,imparting thereto the desired resistance force for preventing crushingor bending of wall member 95, while enhancing the inherent spring forceprovided by wall member 95.

[0093] As is evident from the foregoing detailed discussion, by securelymounting pivot pin 97 in pin receiving zone 96 of wall member 95, wallmember 95 is incapable of being crushed or bent by the application ofcompressive forces thereto. In addition, the inherent spring forceprovided by wall member 95 to jaws 91 and 92 is enhanced and increased.As a result, the construction provided by this embodiment of the presentinvention clearly establishes an open clamping jaw construction forclamp assembly 60 which completely eliminates all of the prior artdifficulties and drawbacks, and provides a clamp assembly 60 which iscapable of being used with complete assurance that failure of the clampassembly during its use cannot occur.

[0094] In FIG. 10, a further alternate embodiment of clamp assembly 60is shown. In this embodiment, clamping member 90 is employed andconstructed in the manner detailed above. However, in constructing thisembodiment of clamp assembly 60, only one clamp member 90 is used, withrod receiving head 99 being formed at one end of elongated shaft 100,which is threadedly engaged in control plate 93 of clamp member 90. Inaddition, a cooperating rod receiving and securing member 101 is mountedabout shaft 100 in cooperative association with head 99.

[0095] Using this construction, any desired rod having the properdiameter is inserted through aperture 102 formed in head 99 and securedtherein by V-shaped receiving zone 1002 formed in receiving/securingmember 101. The secure, threadedly, affixed interengagement of thesecomponents are provided by employing collar 103, which comprises a head104 and handle 105 and is constructed for threaded interengagement withthe terminating end of shaft 100. As result, by rotationally movinghandle 105 or head 104, the secure clamping affixation of thisembodiment of clamp assembly 60 is achieved.

[0096] Typically, the components detailed above for achieving externalfixation bone stabilizing frame system 20 are employed in constructingframe systems for larger bones. Often times, these bones are weightbearing and must be capable of withstanding substantial stress imposedthereon. However, in addition to the repair and stabilization of largerbones structures, smaller bone fragments and elements must also becapable of being supported by an external fixation stabilizing framesystem 20.

[0097] In this regard, broken or damaged fingers, jaws, wrists, and thelike are examples of areas which require a substantially smaller,lighter, and more delicate external fixation frame system. By referringto FIGS. 15-22, along with the following detailed disclosure, theconstruction and operation of the preferred component for such anexternal fixation frame system of the present invention can best beunderstood.

[0098] In FIG. 15, one typical application for employing the smallercomponents of the frame system of the present invention is depicted forholding and stabilizing small broken bones, such as are found in thehand, fingers and wrist. As depicted, one application of employing theexternal fixation, bone stabilizing frame system 20 of the presentinvention is setting a broken or fractured finger bone.

[0099] In this regard, the first step in stabilizing a broken orfractured finger is the mounting of at least one anchor pin 110 on oneside of the break or fracture, and mounting at least one additionalanchor pin 111 on the opposite side of the brake or fracture. In eachinstance, the anchor pins are securely affixed directly into the bone ofthe finger, extending outwardly therefrom. As is well-known in theindustry, in any situation where soft tissue or opened wounds arepresent, along with a broken or fractured bone, surrounding of thebroken bone with a cast or splint is not possible. Consequently,external fixation frame assemblies are required.

[0100] Using the outwardly extending anchor pins 110 and 111, framesystem 20 of the present invention is created in order to form therequired bone stabilizing frame system for maintaining the broken fingerbones in the precisely desired, aligned and engaged position to promotecomplete healing. In forming the desired frame system 20, two separateand independent pin clamping/mounting members 115 are employed. Asdepicted, each pin clamping/mounting member 115 is affixed to one of theanchor pins and then interconnected with each other by clamp assemblies60 and stabilizing rod 61.

[0101] In order to best understand the construction and operation of pinclamping/mounting member 115, reference should be made to the followingdetailed description along with FIGS. 16-22. By referring to theseFigures and the following detailed disclosure, the unique constructionand operational details of pin clamping/mounting member 115 of thepresent invention can best be understood.

[0102] As shown in FIGS. 16, 17, and 18, pin clamping/mounting member115 may incorporate one or two connecting rods 31, with one or twoconnecting rods 31 being mounted at opposite ends or substantiallymid-way along the length of mounting member 115. Regardless of theposition or number of connecting rods 31 mounted to pinclamping/mounting member 115, the overall construction ofclamping/mounting member 115 is substantially identical. In order tobest understand this construction, reference should be made to FIGS. 16,17, and 18, wherein these alternate embodiments are depicted and fullydetailed below.

[0103] In the preferred construction, pin clamping/mounting member 115incorporates housing 116 in which are formed two separate andindependent pin receiving cavities or apertures 117 and 118, extendingfrom the top surface of housing 116 through to the bottom surfacethereof. In addition, as is more fully detailed below, each pinreceiving cavity 117 and 118 preferably comprise a generally rectangularor square cross-sectional shape.

[0104] Furthermore, a clamping screw receiving cavity 120 is formedadjacent pin-receiving cavities 117 and 118 also extending from the topto the bottom surface of housing 116. In the preferred construction,clamping screw receiving cavity 120 comprises an upper enlarged screwreceiving zone 125 and a lower zone 126 which comprises a screw threadconfiguration. In addition, the axis of each pin-receiving cavity 117and 118 as well as the axis of screw receiving cavity 120 are all formedsubstantially parallel to each other.

[0105] Finally, the construction of housing 116 is completed by formingan enlarged interior slot 121 in one side wall of housing 116, with slot121 dimensioned for receiving and retaining clamping wedge 122. Asclearly shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, slot 121 extends through screwreceiving cavity 120, effectively forming upper zone 125 and lower zone126.

[0106] In the preferred embodiment, clamping wedge 122 comprises agenerally rectangular-shaped bar 135 incorporating generally parallelsides 136 and 137. Side 136 incorporates an arcuately curved zone 138which is centrally disposed thereon and incorporates a sloping orbeveled surface 142. In addition, side 137 incorporates two arcuatelycurved zones 139 and 140 formed at opposite ends of side 137, with asubstantially straight, flat, intermediate zone 141 extendingtherebetween and positioned forward of curved zones 139 and 140. Asdetailed below, by employing this construction, secure abutting,contacting engagement of anchor pins of any desired diameter, or evendifferent diameters, are capable of being securely engaged andclampingly retained by member 115.

[0107] The overall construction of pin clamping/mounting member 115 iscompleted by providing wedge clamping screw 123, which is constructedfor telescopic insertion and secure retention within cavity 120. In thepreferred construction, wedge clamping screw 123 comprises substantiallycircular-shaped head 128 with shaft 129 extending therefrom. Inaddition, beveled or sloping section 130 extends between head 128 andshaft 129, with the construction of wedge clamping screw 123 beingcompleted by forming threaded portion 131 along the distal end of shaft129. By employing this construction, once wedge clamping screw 123 istelescopically inserted into screw receiving cavity 120, threadedportion 131 matingly engages with threaded zone 126, while head 128 ofscrew 123 is able to pass through upper zone 125.

[0108] In FIGS. 19-22, the embodiment of pin clamping/mounting member115 of FIG. 16 is depicted in detail, showing member 115 in use,securely clamping and engaging two anchor pins having differentdiameters. As is evident from a review of these Figures, pinclamping/mounting member 115 is capable of secure, clampinginterengagement with small, thin or narrow anchor pins, as commonlyemployed with smaller and more delicate bone members. In addition,regardless of the diameter of the small anchor pins that are employedfor securing the more delicate bone fragments, pin clamping/mountingmember 115 is capable of secure clamping interengagement therewith ,even in those instances where anchor pins of different diameters arerequired to be secured by a single pin clamping/mounting member 115.

[0109] When employing the present invention, once anchor pins 110 and/or111 are passed through pin-receiving apertures 117 and 118, member 115is quickly and easily securely clamped therewith by arcuately rotatingwedge clamping screw 123. Once threaded portion 131 of wedge clampingscrew 123 is threadedly engaged in lower zone 126, rotational movementof screw 123 in a first direction advances screw 123 downwardly, causinghead portion 128 to enter receiving zone 125 of cavity 120.

[0110] As screw 123 continues to be moved in this downward direction,sloping or beveled section 130 of screw 123 is brought into controlled,contacting engagement with beveled surface 142 of arcuately curvedsection 138 of clamping wedge 122. As a result of this contact,controlled movement of clamping wedge 122 is provided by screw 123,causing wedge 122 to advance in slot 121 towards anchor pins 110 and 111mounted in receiving cavities 117 and 118.

[0111] As the rotation of screw 123 continues, movement of clampingwedge 122 also continues until curved zones 139 and 140 are brought intoabutting, contacting engagement with the anchor pins mounted inreceiving cavities 117 and 118. Once secure, abutting, contacting,clamping interengagement between wedge 122 and anchor pins 110 and 111is attained, the rotation of screw 123 is halted.

[0112] In addition to providing the controlled advance of clamping wedge122 into secure, abutting, clamping engagement with anchor pins 110 and111 mounted in receiving cavities 117 and 118, the construction ofclamping wedge 122 also allows arcuate pivoting movement of clampingwedge 122 relative to slot 121. As a result, anchor pins havingdifferent diameters are capable of being securely clamped in a singlemember 115, with complete assurance that both anchor pins are securely,clampingly interengaged therewith.

[0113] In addition, this construction of pin clamping/mounting member115 also enables engagement with single anchor pins mounted in eitherreceiving cavity 117 or 118. In this way, regardless of the diameter ofthe anchor pins that are present, or the absence of one anchor pin,secure, locked, clamped engagement of the anchor pins as desired by thesurgeon is capable of being achieved quickly and easily.

[0114] A further feature provided by the present invention is theability to securely affix any desired anchor pins in either one or bothpin receiving cavities 117 and 118, in a manner which provides secure,clamped interengagement of the anchor pin on three separate andindependent sides thereof. As detailed above, pin receiving cavities 117and 118 are preferably formed in a generally rectangular orsquare-shaped configuration.

[0115] As a result, any anchor pin positioned in pin receiving cavities117 and/or 118 is forced to enter a corner of the rectangular orsquare-shaped clamping surface thereof as wedge 122 contacts a portionof the anchor pin. Once fully secured therein, the anchor pin contactsclamping wedge 122 on one portion or surface thereof, as well as twowalls of pin receiving cavity 117 and 118 on two additional portions orsurfaces thereof. As a result, positive secure, clamped engagement ofany desired anchor pin in cavities 117 and 118 is obtained on threeseparate portions or sides by employing pin clamping/mounting member 115of the present invention.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 15, the broken parts of the finger bone aresecured and maintained in the desired position for healing by securelyinterconnecting two pin clamping/mounting members 115 to each otherusing clamps 60 and stabilizing rod 61. Once this frame assembly iscompleted, the two components of the finger bone are securely mounted toeach other in abutting, contacting, slip-free engagement in order toenable complete healing to be achieved.

[0117] In forming frame-assembly 20, clamp assemblies 60 are affixed toeach connecting rod 31 of each pin clamping/mounting member 115, whilealso securely affixing a portion of stabilizing rod 61 to each clampassembly 60. In achieving this result, in accordance with the presentinvention, clamp assemblies 60 are preferably constructed in the mannerdepicted in FIGS. 23 and 24.

[0118] Although the clamp assembly constructions detailed above could beemployed in this embodiment of the present invention, due to theextremely small size requirements imposed upon these components, theconstruction of clamp assembly 60 in the manner detailed above for theframe assemblies employed with the larger bones has been found to bedifficult to achieve economically. Consequently, any alternateconstruction is preferred and the preferred construction for clampassemblies 60 employed in constructing frame assembly 20 of the presentinvention for use with the smaller bone elements is depicted in FIGS. 23and 24, and fully detailed below.

[0119] In this embodiment, clamp assembly 60 preferably comprises twoseparate and independent clamp members 150 mounted in a verticallystacked array, as detailed above in the alternate embodiments of clampassemblies 60. In this embodiment, each clamp member 150 comprisesseparate and independent clamping jaws 151 and 152 for providing easyentry therein.

[0120] Furthermore, each clamp member 150 comprises a movement controlplate 153 which is interconnected with jaw 151 and a movement controlplate 154 which is interconnected with jaw 152. Movement control plates153 and 154 are positioned in juxtaposed, spaced, vertically aligned,cooperating relationship with each other, enabling clamping jaws 151 and152 to operate in the desired manner.

[0121] In order to provide clamping jaws 151 and 152 with the desired,integrated, spring biasing force, each clamp member 150 also comprisesan interconnecting wall member 155 which extends between movementcontrol plates 153 and 154 on the side thereof opposite clamping jaws151 and 152. In this way, an integrated spring force is provided toclamping jaws 151 and 152 which tend to open jaws 151 and 152, unlesscounteracted by a closing or clamping force.

[0122] The remainder of the construction of clamp member 150 issubstantially equivalent to the construction of clamp assembly 60detailed above. In this regard, screw receiving cavities 68 are formedin movement control plates 153 and 154, with threaded zones being formedin cavities 68 of each control plate 153, while a smooth receiving zoneis formed in cavity 68 of each control plate 154. In addition, ifdesired, the top surface of each control plate 154 may comprise acircular array of teeth and grooves, for providing the desired mating,interengagement and arcuate rotational movement of each clamp member 150relative to the other clamp member 150.

[0123] In addition, clamping control screw 70 is telescopically insertedthrough screw receiving cavities 68 of each movement control plate 153and 154, with threaded zone 71 of screw 70 being engaged in cavity 68 ofthe lowermost control plate 153. In addition, with clamping controlscrew 70 incorporating head 72, shank portion 74, and washer 75, asdescribed above, any arcuate rotation of control screw 70 in a firstdirection causes jaws 151 and 152 of each clamping member 150 to advancetowards each other, securely engaging and lockingly retaining any rodmember inserted therebetween. In addition, as detailed above, handle 76may be mounted, if desired, to head 72 of screw 70 in order to enableprecise, controlled, rotational movement of screw 70.

[0124] In this embodiment of the present invention, unwanted crushing orcrimping of interconnected wall member 155 is prevented by forminginterior wall 156 of wall member 155 with a longitudinally extending,enlarged, generally oval or rectangular cross-sectional shape formedalong the juncture between wall member 155 and movement control plates153 and 154. As clearly depicted in FIGS. 23 and 24, the juncturebetween wall member 155 and movement control plate 153 comprises asmoothly rounded, arcuately curved zone 157 extending the entire widthof wall member 155 at the juncture between these two components.Similarly, an arcuately curved, smoothly rounded zone 158 is formed atthe juncture between wall member 155 and movement control plate 154. Asa result, the generally oval or rectangular shaped configuration isobtained between these elements along interior wall 156.

[0125] By employing this construction, a resisted force imparted to wallmember 155, preventing crushing or bending of wall member 155, whileenhancing the spring force provided thereby. As result, the desirablequalities for clamp member 150 are obtained and unwanted crushing orbending of wall member 155 is prevented.

[0126] It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, amongthose made apparent from the preceding description, are efficientlyattained and, since certain changes may be made in the above articlewithout departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended thatall matter contained in the above description or shown in theaccompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense.

[0127] It is also to be understood that the following claims areintended to cover all of the generic and specific features of theinvention herein described, and all statements of the scope of theinvention which, as a matter of language, might be said to falltherebetween.

Having described our invention, what we claim as new and desire tosecure by Letters Patent is:
 1. An externally mounted, adjustable bonestabilizing frame assembly constructed for engaging and holding aplurality of bone-mounted pins in a precisely desired orientation, saidframe assembly comprising: A. a plurality of pin clamping and mountingmembers comprising: A. a plurality of pin receiving cavities constructedfor receiving and securely clamping the bone-mounted pins therein, B. aclamping plate movably mounted in the pins clamping and mounting memberin cooperating relationship with the pin receiving cavity, C. a wedgemember movably mounted in the pin clamping and mounting member andcontrollably engaged with the clamping plate for controlling themovement thereof into engagement with the bone-mounted pins mounted inthe pin receiving cavities; and D. at least one rod mounted to the pinclamping and mounting member and extending therefrom; B. at least onestabilizing rod positioned in cooperating relationship with the pinclamping and mounting members, and C. clamp assemblies securely mountedto the rods of the pin clamping and mounting member and the stabilizingrod for forming the desired securely engaged, external bone stabilizingframe assembly.
 2. The externally mounted, adjustable bone stabilizingframe assembly defined in claim 1, wherein said plurality of pinreceiving cavities are defined as being substantially parallel to eachother and extending through the pin clamping and mounting member.
 3. Theexternally mounted, adjustable bone stabilizing frame assembly definedin claim 2, wherein each pin clamping and mounting member comprises aclamping plate receiving cavity formed therein and extendingsubstantially perpendicular to the axis of the pin receiving cavity,whereby movement of the clamping plate in the plate receiving cavitycauses frictional engagement of the clamping plate with the bone-mountedpins when said pins are positioned in the pin receiving cavity.
 4. Theexternally mounted, adjustable bone stabilizing frame assembly definedin claim 3, wherein said pin receiving cavity comprises across-sectional shape selected from the group consisting of squares andrectangles, each having a plurality of adjacent surfaces, therebyenabling bone-mounted pins of different diameters to be secure therein.5. The externally mounted, adjustable bone stabilizing frame assemblydefined in claim 4, wherein the clamping plate comprises a pin engagingsurface controllably moved by the wedge member for bringing the pinengaging surface into contact with the pin mounted in the receivingcavity and securely locking the pin between the engaging face of theclamping plate and the adjacent surfaces of the pin receiving cavity,whereby pins of different diameters are easily secured thereby.
 6. Theexternally mounted, adjustable bone stabilizing frame assembly definedin claim 5, wherein the wedge member comprises an elongated rod having ahead portion, an intermediate sloping wedge forming wall portion and aterminating threaded portion mounted in a threaded receiving zone formedin the pin clamping and mounting member, whereby rotational movement ofthe rod in one direction advances the sloping wedge forming wall portioninto increased engagement with the clamping plate for controllablyadvancing the clamping plate into engagement with the bone-mounted pinsin the pin receiving cavities.
 7. The externally mounted, adjustablebone stabilizing frame assembly defined in claim 5, wherein the wedgemember comprises a cam surface integrally formed therein constructed forcooperating engagement with a cam surface receiving zone formed in theclamping plate, whereby movement of the wedge member causes controlledmovement of the clamping plates.
 8. The externally mounted, adjustablebone stabilizing frame assembly defined in claim 7, wherein said wedgemember comprises a threaded zone and said pin clamping and mountingmember comprises a thread screw member mounted in threaded engagementwith the wedge member whereby rotational movement of the thread screwmember causes controlled movement of the wedge member and the clampingplate associated therewith.
 9. The externally mounted, adjustable bonestabilizing frame assembly defined in claim 8, wherein the pin clampingand mounting member comprises four independent and aligned pin receivingcavities and also comprises two clamping plates with wedge membersassociated therewith, whereby each clamping plate is constructed forsecurely engaging up to two bone mounted pins positioned in theassociated pin receiving cavities.
 10. The externally mounted,adjustable bone stabilizing frame assembly defined in claim 8, whereinsaid pin clamping and mounting member comprises spring members mountedin biasing engagement with each clamping plate for exerting a biasingforce acting against the clamp force of the wedge member, therebypreventing binding of the clamping plate during disassembly andfacilitating the insertion of the bone-mounted pins into the pinreceiving cavities.
 11. An externally mounted, adjustable bonestabilizing frame assembly constructed for engaging and holding aplurality of bone-mounted pins in a precisely desired orientation, saidframe assembly comprising: A. a plurality of pin clamping and mountingmembers constructed for being securely engaged with the bone-mountedpins and comprising at least one rod mounted thereto and extendingtherefrom; B. at least one stabilizing rod positioned in cooperatingrelationship with the pin clamping and mounting members, and C. at leasttwo clamp assemblies positioned in a substantially stacked relationshipwith each clamping member comprising: A. a pair of clamping membersincorporating an integrated, generally C-shape and comprising:
 1. aclamping zone,
 2. a first control plate and a second control platepositioned in juxtaposed, spaced, cooperating, overlying relationship,interconnected to the clamping zone, incorporating axially alignedapertures and constructed for providing a controlled clamping force tothe clamping zone, and
 3. pivot means interconnected to the controlplates for cooperating therewith to provide the desired arcuate pivotingmovement for controlling the clamping forces of the clamping zone; B.control means associated with the first and second clamping plates forproviding the desired clamping forces thereto, and C. a bushing mountedin and extending between the control plates of adjacent clampingmembers, thereby maintaining the clamping members in stacked verticalrelationship with each other, preventing angular shifting or tiltingthereof.
 12. The externally mounted, adjustable bone stabilizing frameassembly defined in claim 11, wherein the second control plate of eachclamping member comprises a threaded zone formed therein and the firstcontrol plates of each clamping member are mounted in stacked engagementwith each other.
 13. The externally mounted, adjustable bone stabilizingframe assembly defined in claim 12, wherein the control means is definedas comprising an elongated rod having a head portion formed at one end,an enlarged flange formed adjacent the head portion for contacting andengaging a surface of the second control plate of a first clampingmember, a substantially smooth intermediate portion formed fortelescopic insertion through apertures formed in the first and secondclamping plates, and a terminated threaded surface constructed forengagement in the threaded zone of the second clamping plate, wherebyrotational movement of the control means provides clamping forces to theclamp assembly.
 14. The externally mounted, adjustable bone stabilizingframe assembly defined in claim 13, wherein the pivot means comprises aninterconnecting wall integrally formed with and interconnected to thefirst and second clamping plates and a flexing zone formed adjacent thewall for controlling the movement of the control plate.
 15. Theexternally mounted, adjustable bone stabilizing frame assembly definedin claim 14, wherein said flexing zone comprises an enlarged arcuatecurved area and the pivot zone comprises a pivot pin mounted in thearcuate curved area, providing controlled flexing movement of thecontrol plates while preventing deformation of the wall associatedtherewith.
 16. The externally mounted, adjustable bone stabilizing frameassembly defined in claim 14, wherein said flexing zone comprises anarcuate curved recess formed between each control plate and theinterconnecting wall, thereby controlling movement of the control plateand preventing deformation of the interconnecting wall.
 17. Theexternally mounted, adjustable bone stabilizing frame assembly definedin claim 11, wherein the clamping zone is formed by a first clampingplate mounted to and extending from the first control plate and a secondclamping plate mounted to and extending from the second control plate,whereby movement of the control means causes the first and secondclamping late to move therewith.
 18. The externally mounted, adjustablebone stabilizing frame assembly defined in claim 11, wherein theclamping zone is formed by a continuous, arcuately curved wall memberextending from the first contact plate to the second contact plate,establishing a substantially circular shaped clamping zone.
 19. Theexternally mounted, adjustable bone stabilizing frame assembly definedin claim 18, wherein said circular shaped clamping zone is furtherdefined as comprising a friction member formed therein for retaining andfrictionally molding a rod member inserted therein prior to the secureclamped engagement of the clamping zone about the rod member.
 20. Theexternally mounted, adjustable bone stabilizing frame assembly definedin claim 19, wherein the friction member comprises an elongated threadedshaft extending through the first contact plate to the second contactplate with the outer surface thereof extending into the clamping zonefor providing the desired frictional interference.
 21. An externallymounted, adjustable bone stabilizing frame assembly constructed forengaging and holding a plurality of bone-mounted pins in a preciselydesired orientation, said frame assembly comprising: A. a plurality ofpin clamping and mounting members comprising: A. a plurality of pinreceiving cavities constructed for receiving and securely clamping thebone-mounted pins therein, B. a clamping plate movably mounted in thepins clamping and mounting member in cooperating relationship with thepin receiving cavity, C. a wedge member movably mounted in the pinclamping and mounting member and controllably engaged with the clampingplate for controlling the movement thereof into engagement with thebone-mounted pins mounted in the pin receiving cavities; and D. at leastone rod mounted to the pin clamping and mounting member and extendingtherefrom; B. at least one stabilizing rod positioned in cooperatingrelationship with the pin clamping and mounting members, and C. at leasttwo clamp assemblies positioned in a substantially stacked relationshipwith each clamping member comprising: A. a pair of clamping membersincorporating an integrated, generally C-shape and comprising:
 1. aclamping zone,
 2. a first control plate and a second control platepositioned in juxtaposed, spaced, cooperating, overlying relationship,interconnected to the clamping zone, incorporating axially alignedapertures and constructed for providing a controlled clamping force tothe clamping zone, and
 3. pivot means interconnected to the controlplates for cooperating therewith to provide the desired arcuate pivotingmovement for controlling the clamping forces of the clamping zone; B.control means associated with the first and second clamping plates forproviding the desired clamping forces thereto, and C. a bushing mountedin and extending between the control plates of adjacent clampingmembers, thereby maintaining the clamping members in stacked verticalrelationship with each other, preventing angular shifting or tiltingthereof.
 22. A pin clamping and mounting member constructed for use inan externally mounted, adjustable bone stabilizing frame assemblyadapted for engaging and holding a plurality of bone-mounted pins in aprecisely desired orientation, said pin clamping and mounting membercomprising a housing incorporating: A. a plurality of pin receivingcavities constructed for receiving and securely clamping thebone-mounted pins therein, B. a clamping plate movably mounted in thepins clamping and mounting member in cooperating relationship with thepin receiving cavity, C. a wedge member movably mounted in the pinclamping and mounting member and controllably engaged with the clampingplate for controlling the movement thereof into engagement with thebone-mounted pins mounted in the pin receiving cavities; and D. at leastone rod mounted to the pin clamping and mounting member and extendingtherefrom.
 23. A clamping assembly constructed for use in an externallymounted, adjustable bone stabilizing frame assembly adapted for engagingand holding a plurality of bone-mounted pins in a precisely desiredorientation, said clamp assembly comprising: A. at least one clampingmember incorporating an integrated, generally C-shape and comprising: a.a clamping zone, b. a first control plate and a second control platepositioned in juxtaposed, spaced, cooperating, overlying relationship,interconnected to the clamping zone, incorporating axially alignedapertures and constructed for providing a controlled clamping force tothe clamping zone, and c. pivot means interconnected to the controlplates for cooper . ating therewith to provide the desired arcuatepivoting movement for controlling the clamping forces of the clampingzone; B. control means associated with the first and second clampingplates for providing the desired clamping forces thereto, and C. abushing mounted in and extending between the control plates of adjacentclamping members, thereby maintaining the clamping members in stackedvertical relationship with each other, preventing angular shifting ortilting thereof.